Cognitive Reliability Error Analysis Method (CREAM) at the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)

Abstract

AbstractThis paper studies how Cognitive Reliability Error Analysis Method (CREAM) can add value to the existing Quality Management System at the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor. We tested the CREAM framework on a sample of 71 nonconformance reports between 2016 and 2018 from the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor Document Management Database. All the nonconformances described in these reports relate to the incidents connected to the welding process of the vacuum vessel components. For failure categories like wrong identification, lack of attention, memory loss, or inadequate planning, CREAM provides additional information to redesign the work space. Moreover, CREAM identified quality control and management control as main underlying weaknesses that cause nonconformities. Future analysis should focus more on organizational error causes and resulting indirect links. Also, the use of a methodology like CREAM needs to be provided as special training by experts throughout all areas of activities.